105. Pupils make very good progress during Years 10 and 11 and their attainment is well above that seen nationally. Pupils are able to undertake a range of tasks including acting as officials, referees and coaches. Pupils understand the necessity of warming up, and many are able to lead warm-up sessions with much confidence. ~n September 2003 the school began offering its pupils the opportunity to take a GCSE in dance. This offer has been taken up by large groups of pupils. They respond very positively and enthusiastically to the very high quality teaching. Their overall achievement is well above that seen nationally, with a significant number showing an ability to perform, evaluate and choreograph at the highest level.

106. Teaching is good overall and a significant number of very good and excellent lessons were seen. Lessons are very well prepared and their content is well matched to pupils’ interest and attainment. Teachers are continually making demands for high quality performances and good behaviour, and invariably these demands are met. Pupils respond very positively, are highly motivated, and their enjoyment of their lessons is very evident. Pupils with special education needs are very well integrated, They are given much sensitive support and encouragement from both staff and fellow pupils and attain levels of performance that is commendable for them.

107. The department is very well managed, including a very extensive programme of extra­curricular activities that are very well supported. ~t is very well led so that hard working and talented teachers work well together, support each other, and show a strong commitment to their pupils and to the improvement of the department. There has been good improvement since the previous inspection. The department has been awarded the Sportsmark, which is national recognition of high quality provision in physical education, the examination results have improved, and the school now offers pupils the opportunity to take a GCSE dance.

BUSINESS AND OTHER VOCATIONAL COURSES

Provision in business studies is very good.

Main strengths and weaknesses

• Pupils achieve two good examination grades in a single GCSE time allocation.
  
• GCSE standards have been weH above average in recent years. Attainment is similar in the current Year 11.
  
• Teaching and learning are very good, enabling pupils to achieve very well in the two subjects.
  
• Good access to ICT resources, including published materials created by the department, supports pupils’ studies very effectively.
  
• The department’s links with outside businesses are limited.

Commentary

108. GCSE A*~C results in recent years have been high, particularly in 2004 when pupils attained very well at A*/A grades. Entry numbers were high in 2003, but fell to nearer average in 2004. The course provides a very good opportunity for pupils to achieve two GCSE grades at high levels, because they take a full award in business communication systems in the same amount of time as their business studies qualification. Pupils’ standards on entry to the course are higher than average for the school and though most attained slightly lower grades in business studies than they did in their other subjects, they achieved very well in the two subjects delivered in one option block.

109. Standards in the current Year 11 are similarly high. These students have just begun their studies for the business communication systems elements of their course and the standard of their business studies work is well above average. Students’ attitudes in response to the very high workload required to achieve these two qualifications are very good, contributing significantly to their success. Many attend additional extra-curricular days and lunchtime sessions to boost achievement before the examination. Year 10 have started their course very positively and are already achieving well.